Slovakia

Slovakia - Welcome
to a marvelous land of mountains, valleys, forests and rivers…

… to castles, churches and ruins…

… and to a rich variety of accommodations, eating facilities and recreational
support to help you enjoy them. Welcome to Slovakia! More Info

Most people spend their free time in Slovakia on one of
three activities: outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and architectural
sightseeing. All age groups enjoy all three of these at many different levels
- and, at the top level, Slovakia can compare with the best in Europe and the
world.

Arts and culture

Arts and culture centre in the capital city of Bratislava, but locals and visitors alike enjoy
performances and galleries in even the smallest of towns.

Performance of traditional folk music is especially
abundant. Many towns and cities have their own theatre companies and
classical music concerts. Dance, especially ballet, and opera are generally
found only in the largest cities, and this is also the case with jazz and
other live music. Musical theatre performances and ballet and opera companies
are based in the two largest cities, Bratislava and Kosice.

Graphic arts are of course displayed in a number of
museums, the largest being the National Gallery in Bratislava. Often, though,
the most interesting work appears in Slovakia's many private galleries and
other exhibition spaces.

Architecture

Slovakia's geographical position between two superpowers
of the middle ages, Austro-Hungarian and Russian, has left its mark plainly
in its historical architecture. Of the two, the traditions of Germanic
Austria-Hungary dominate, often tied to the Roman Catholic faith with some
hints of Protestantism. However, especially in the east, the Orthodox
Christian religion of Russia and other eastern European cultures play a role
in the architectural landscape.

Most towns have historic churches,
and many of these have features of special signicance. For those seeking a
truly eastern European experience, the centuries-old, still-functioning
wooden churches of northeastern Slovakia are one of the country’s greatest
treasures, though they are hard to reach.

The other significant historical influence came from
Slovakia's role as an essentially underling nation for centuries. Wealth
never accumulated here as it did in nearby centres such as Vienna, Prague,
Budapest, Krakow or even Kiev. Therefore the ornate "old town"
sections of Slovak cities are more compact, though no less beautiful - in
fact, many travellers find sightseeing more digestible in Slovakia, as the
ornamentation is not so overwhelming.

For a quick but memorable
architectural experience, check out almost any town square. Some of them
(such as Bardejov and Banska Stiavnica) have UNESCO cultural heritage
certification and big reputations, but most old town squares have some unique
and well-restored aspects of beauty.

Castles can
be divided into those which have been restored, and those which have fallen
into ruin. Every region of the country offers some of each. Restored castles,
some of which were never fortified and therefore are in fact palaces, offer a
glimpse of how the wealthy lived. Castle ruins are more interesting for those
with explorer spirits, in part because they usually require significant
walking or gentle climbing; they have deliciously eerie atmosphere.

Sports and Recreation
Activities.

Various recreation activities are available in Tatras Mountains - the smallest and
relatively less known Alpine mountains in Europe.

Spas

Piestany is the leading Slovak Rheumatological and
rehabilitation Centre for treatment of the locomotion system. Thanks to the
quality of its natural curative springs, the high professional level of its
medical services and its wide range of medical care, Piestany ranks with the
most famous rheumatic treatment centres in Europe. Piestany is situated in
the picturesque valley of the Vah river about 80 Km from Bratislava - capital
of Slovakia, and 150 KM from Vienna, Austria.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.